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United States Patent |
5,619,824
|
Russell
,   et al.
|
April 15, 1997
|
Heat releaseable ceiling support
Abstract
A heat releasable bracket, for supporting a ceiling panel under normal
conditions, and for releasing the ceiling panel when exposed to elevated
temperatures caused by a nearby fire or the like, includes a first bracket
part which includes a mounting portion for securing the first bracket
portion to a support structure such as a beam, column, wall, etc.; a
second bracket part which is adapted to be secured to the first bracket
part and provide a support for the ceiling panel; and a heat releasable
link which normally joins the first and second bracket parts together, but
which releases the second bracket part from the first bracket part when
exposed to elevated temperatures, which in turn allows the ceiling panel
to drop away from the position at which it is normally supported. The heat
releasable bracket can form part of an effective and relatively
inexpensive ceiling panel support system comprised of at least one heat
releasable bracket and at least one other bracket which is not heat
releasable. The invention is useful for normally supporting a ceiling
panel, but releasing it if a fire occurs so that it does not interfere
with effective utilization of a sprinkler system located above the ceiling
panel.
Inventors:
|
Russell; Scott H. (Kalamazoo, MI);
Baloga; Mark A. (East Grand Rapids, MI);
Lathrop; David P. (Ada, MI);
Nason; Kevin S. (Racine, WI);
Siebert; Paul B. (East Grand Rapids, MI)
|
Assignee:
|
Steelcase, Inc. (Grand Rapids, MI)
|
Appl. No.:
|
489656 |
Filed:
|
June 12, 1995 |
Current U.S. Class: |
52/1; 52/232; 52/239; 248/550; 248/901 |
Intern'l Class: |
E04H 001/12 |
Field of Search: |
52/1,232,239
248/550,548,901,247,248,224.8
403/28
49/7,8
292/DIG. 66
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
1017715 | Feb., 1912 | Voigtmann | 49/7.
|
2580540 | Jan., 1952 | Graves.
| |
2718290 | Sep., 1955 | Segil.
| |
2772742 | Dec., 1956 | Sprankle.
| |
2800965 | Jul., 1957 | Church.
| |
3062298 | Nov., 1962 | Nash.
| |
3246432 | Apr., 1966 | Young, Jr.
| |
3654996 | Apr., 1972 | Naglowsky.
| |
4013253 | Mar., 1977 | Perrault et al. | 248/248.
|
4245446 | Jan., 1981 | Judkins.
| |
4437693 | Mar., 1984 | Godec | 49/8.
|
4856242 | Aug., 1989 | Baloga et al. | 52/239.
|
5155955 | Oct., 1992 | Ball et al. | 52/239.
|
5282341 | Feb., 1994 | Baloga et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Friedman; Carl D.
Assistant Examiner: Kang; Timothy B.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Price, Heneveld, Cooper, DeWitt & Litton
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A heat releasable bracket for use in supporting a panel at an upper end
of a freestanding workspace module, comprising:
a first bracket part adapted to be mounted on a support structure;
a second bracket part adapted to be joined to said first bracket part, said
second bracket part having a surface for supportingly engaging the panel;
and
a heat releasable link which at a normal room temperature joins said second
bracket part to said first bracket part, and which in response to exposure
to an elevated temperature releases said second bracket part from said
first bracket part, allowing the panel to drop from the support structure;
said first bracket part including a mounting portion for attachment thereof
to a support structure, said mounting portion comprising a vertical flange
portion attached at a right angle to a horizontal projecting flange
portion, one of said flange portions having a tab adapted to engage a slot
provided in the support structure to secure said first bracket thereto.
2. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said first bracket part includes a
horizontal projecting flange portion having a downwardly slanting coupling
tab, and said second bracket part includes an upwardly slanting coupling
tab, said downwardly and upwardly slanting coupling tabs being adjacent to
and in planar alignment with each other when said bracket is assembled,
said tabs being joined together through said heat releasable link.
3. The bracket of claim 2, wherein said second bracket part is a member
which includes a flange plate having a top surface which abuts the
underside of said horizontally projecting flange portion of said first
bracket part, and having an opening through which said downwardly slanting
tab passes;
a lower horizontal flange having an upper surface for supportingly engaging
the panel; and
a vertical step connecting said flange plate and said flange of said second
bracket part.
4. The bracket of claim 3, wherein said second bracket part includes a flap
which extends downwardly from the end of said flange plate nearest said
mounting portion of said first bracket part, said flap having a swing tab
which projects outwardly away from said flange plate, said swing tab being
received in a rectangular slot in the vertical flange portion of said
first bracket part to allow said second bracket part to swing downwardly
about a pivot axis approximately coincident with said slot when said heat
releasable link is exposed to an elevated temperature which allows said
second bracket part to be released from said first bracket part.
5. The bracket of claim 1, wherein said heat releasable link is comprised
of a pair of overlapped metal plates joined together by a heat fusible
metal alloy which melts at an elevated temperature to allow the plates to
decouple in the event of a fire, which can allow a panel supported by said
bracket to drop from the support structure.
6. A heat releasable panel support system for retaining a panel at an upper
end of a freestanding workspace module, comprising:
a support structure;
a passive bracket mounted on said support structure, said passive bracket
having a surface supportingly engaging the underside of the panel; and
a heat releasable bracket including a first bracket part mounted on said
support structure, a second bracket part joined to said first bracket
part, said second bracket part having a surface supportingly engaging the
underside of the panel, and a heat releasable link which at a normal room
temperature joins said second bracket part to said first bracket part, and
which in response to being exposed to an elevated temperature will release
said second bracket part from said first bracket part, allowing the panel
to drop from the support structure.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said passive bracket includes lower and
upper horizontal flanges adapted to provide support for and securely
retain a panel positioned between said horizontal flanges.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein said passive bracket is adapted to
cooperate with at least one other bracket to support the panel, and said
passive bracket is unable to independently support the panel.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein said first bracket part includes a
mounting portion for attachment thereof to a support structure.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein said mounting portion comprises a
vertical flange portion attached at a right angle to a horizontal
projecting flange portion, one of said flange portions having a tab
adapted to engage a slot provided in the support structure to secure said
first bracket thereto.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said first bracket part includes a
horizontal projecting flange portion having a downwardly slanting coupling
tab, and said second bracket includes an upwardly slanting coupling tab,
said downwardly and upwardly slanting coupling tabs being adjacent to and
in planar alignment with each other when said bracket is assembled, said
tabs being joined together through said heat releasable link.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein said second bracket part is a member
which includes a flange plate having a top surface which abuts the
underside of said horizontally projecting flange portion of said first
bracket part, and having an opening through which said downwardly slanting
tab passes;
a lower horizontal flange having an upper surface for supportingly engaging
the panel; and
a vertical step connecting said flange plate and said flange of said second
bracket part.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said second bracket part includes a
flap which extends downwardly from the end of said flange plate nearest
said mounting portion of said first bracket, said flap having a swing tab
which projects outwardly away from said flange plate, said swing tab being
received in a rectangular slot in the vertical flange portion of said
first bracket part to allow said second bracket part to swing downwardly
about a pivot axis approximately coincident with said slot when said heat
releasable link is exposed to an elevated temperature which can allow said
second bracket part to be released from said first bracket part.
14. The system of claim 6, wherein said heat releasable link is comprised
of a pair of overlapped metal plates joined together by a heat fusible
metal alloy which melts at an elevated temperature to allow the plates to
decouple in the event of a fire, which can allow a panel supported by said
bracket to drop from the support structure.
15. A freestanding workspace module capable of providing an architectural
subdivision within an architectural space, comprising:
a freestanding framework;
walls supported on the framework;
a door partition which can be closed to provide a personal workspace; and
at least one panel partially enclosing an upper end of the workspace
module, said panel being supported at the upper end of the workspace
module by a heat releasable panel support system including at least one
heat releasable bracket which at a normal room temperature provides
support for said panel, and which, when exposed to an elevated
temperature, will release said panel allowing it to drop from the upper
end of the workspace module.
16. The workspace module of claim 15, wherein said heat releasable bracket
includes a first bracket part mounted on a support structure;
a second bracket part joined to said first bracket part, said second
bracket part having a surface supportingly engaging the panel; and
a heat releasable link which at a normal room temperature joins said second
bracket part to said first bracket part, and which in response to exposure
to an elevated temperature releases said second bracket part from said
first bracket part, allowing the panel to drop from the support structure.
17. The workspace module of claim 16, wherein said first bracket part
includes a mounting portion for attachment thereof to a support structure.
18. The workspace module of claim 16, wherein said mounting portion
comprises a vertical flange portion attached at a right angle to a
horizontal projecting flange portion, one of said flange portions having a
tab adapted to engage a slot provided in the support structure to secure
said first bracket thereto.
19. The workspace module of claim 18, wherein said first bracket part
includes a horizontal projecting flange portion having a downwardly
slanting coupling tab, and said second bracket includes an upwardly
slanting coupling tab, said downwardly and upwardly slanting coupling tabs
being adjacent to and in planar alignment with each other when said
bracket is assembled, said tabs being joined together through said heat
releasable link.
20. The workspace module of claim 19, wherein said second bracket part is a
member which includes a flange plate having a top surface which abuts the
underside of said horizontally projecting flange portion of said first
bracket part, and having an opening through which said downwardly slanting
tab passes;
a lower horizontal flange having an upper surface for supportingly engaging
the panel; and
a vertical step connecting said flange plate and said flange of said second
bracket part.
21. The workspace module of claim 20, wherein said second bracket part
includes a flap which extends downwardly from the end of said flange plate
nearest said mounting portion of said first bracket, said flap having a
swing tab which projects outwardly away from said flange plate, said swing
tab being received in a rectangular slot in the vertical flange portion of
said first bracket part to allow said second bracket part to swing
downwardly about a pivot axis approximately coincident with said slot when
said heat releasable link is exposed to an elevated temperature which can
allow said second bracket part to be released from said first bracket
part.
22. A workspace comprising:
sidewalls arranged to define a workspace having a portal opening for user
ingress and egress therethrough; and
at least one panel partially enclosing an upper portion of the workspace,
said panel being supported from an upper portion of the sidewalls by a
heat releasable panel support system including at least one heat
releasable bracket which at a normal room temperature provides support for
said panel, and which, when exposed to an elevated temperature, will
release said panel allowing it to drop from the upper portion of the
workspace module.
23. The workspace of claim 22, wherein said sidewalls are freestanding and
sufficiently rigid to be moved about a floor area underneath an overhead
sprinkler system.
24. The workspace of claim 23, wherein said heat releasable bracket
includes a first bracket part mounted on said sidewalls;
a second bracket part joined to said first bracket part, said second
bracket part having a surface supportingly engaging the panel; and
a heat releasable link which at a normal room temperature joins said second
bracket part to said first bracket part, and which in response to exposure
to an elevated temperature releases said second bracket part from said
first bracket part, allowing the panel to drop from the support structure.
25. The workspace of claim 24, wherein said first bracket part includes a
mounting portion for attachment thereof to a support structure.
26. The workspace of claim 25, wherein said mounting portion comprises a
vertical flange portion attached at a right angle to a horizontal
projecting flange portion, one of said flange portions having a tab
adapted to engage a slot provided in said sidewalls to secure said first
bracket thereto.
27. The workspace of claim 26, wherein said first bracket part includes a
horizontal projecting flange portion having a downwardly slanting coupling
tab, and said second bracket includes an upwardly slanting coupling tab,
said downwardly and upwardly slanting coupling tabs being adjacent to and
in planar alignment with each other when said bracket is assembled, said
tabs being joined together through said heat releasable link.
28. The workspace of claim 27, wherein said second bracket part is a member
which includes a flange plate having a top surface which abuts the
underside of said horizontally projecting flange portion of said first
bracket part, and having an opening through which said downwardly slanting
tab passes;
a lower horizontal flange having an upper surface for supportingly engaging
the panel; and
a vertical step connecting said flange plate and said flange of said second
bracket part.
29. The workspace of claim 28, wherein said second bracket part includes a
flap which extends downwardly from the end of said flange plate nearest
said mounting portion of said first bracket, said flap having a swing tab
which projects outwardly away from said flange plate, said swing tab being
received in a rectangular slot in the vertical flange portion of said
first bracket part to allow said second bracket part to swing downwardly
about a pivot axis approximately coincident with said slot when said heat
releasable link is exposed to an elevated temperature which allows said
second bracket part to be released from said first bracket part.
30. A heat releasable bracket for use in supporting a panel at an upper end
of a freestanding workspace module, comprising:
a first bracket part adapted to be mounted on a support structure;
a second bracket part adapted to be joined to said first bracket part, said
second bracket part having a surface for supportingly engaging the panel;
and
a heat releasable link which at a normal room temperature joins said second
bracket part to said first bracket part, and which in response to exposure
to an elevated temperature releases said second bracket part from said
first bracket part, allowing the panel to drop from the support structure;
said second bracket part pivotally engaging said first bracket part when
said heat fusible link releases said second bracket part from said first
bracket part in response to exposure to an elevated temperature, whereby
said second bracket part can rotate downwardly about a pivot axis to
ensure that the second bracket part will swing out of the way of the panel
and allow the panel to fall freely when the heat releasable bracket is
exposed to an elevated temperature.
31. The bracket of claim 30, wherein said first bracket part includes a
mounting portion for attachment thereof to a support structure.
32. The bracket of claim 31, wherein said mounting portion comprises a
vertical flange portion attached at a right angle to a horizontal
projecting flange portion, one of said flange portions having a tab
adapted to engage a slot provided in the support structure to secure said
first bracket thereto.
33. The bracket of claim 32, wherein said first bracket part includes a
horizontal projecting flange portion having a downwardly slanting coupling
tab, and said second bracket part includes an upwardly slanting coupling
tab, said downwardly and upwardly slanting coupling tabs being adjacent to
and in plane alignment with each other when said bracket is assembled,
said tabs being joined together through said heat releasable link.
34. The bracket of claim 33, wherein said second bracket part is a member
which includes a flange plate having a top surface which abuts the
underside of said horizontally projecting flange portion of said first
bracket part, and having an opening through which said downwardly slanting
tab passes;
a lower horizontal flange having an upper surface for supportingly engaging
the panel; and
a vertical step connecting said flange plate and said flange of said second
bracket part.
35. The bracket of claim 34, wherein said second bracket part includes a
flap which extends downwardly from the end of said flange plate nearest
said mounting portion of said first bracket part, said flap having a swing
tab which projects outwardly away from said flange plate, said swing tab
being received in a rectangular slot in the vertical flange portion of
said first bracket part to allow said second bracket part to swing
downwardly about a pivot axis approximately coincident with said slot when
said heat releasable link is exposed to an elevated temperature which
allows said second bracket part to be released from said first bracket
part.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a heat releasable bracket which allows a ceiling
panel to drop from an overhead position at which it is normally supported,
in the event of a fire or the like, to expose the area normally below the
ceiling panel to an overhead sprinkler system, whereby the ceiling panel
is eliminated as an impediment to effective sprinkler utilization. More
specifically, the invention relates to a heat releasable bracket which is
adapted for supporting a ceiling panel or overhead acoustic baffle at the
upper end of a portable workspace module to provide enhanced privacy
therein and to abate external noises, while allowing the workspace modules
to be repositioned as desired within an open plan office space generally
without regard to the position of overhead sprinkler nozzles. The
invention also relates to ceiling panel support systems utilizing a heat
releasable bracket, and to workspace modules wherein a heat releasable
bracket is used to support an overhead ceiling panel or acoustical baffle.
Workspace modules which provide a personal office space within a larger,
open room in a building have recently been developed for use in a variety
of business offices wherein flexibility and adaptability of the available
office space is valued. One example of a portable, freestanding type of
workspace module is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.
5,282,341. Such workspace modules are particularly useful for businesses
which regularly organize project teams which are to solve a particular
problem or perform a particular set of tasks, and which are to be
reorganized or disbanded within a relatively short period of time. The
portable workspace modules provide team members with private office space
which can be used to perform independent work activities more efficiently
than would be possible within an open, shared office space. As the project
assigned to the team progresses, it is often desirable and advantageous to
reorganize the office space. For example, it may be useful to add or
remove private workspaces, add or remove group workspaces, convert group
workspace to private work space, convert private workspace to group work
space, or modify the way private workspace is positionally organized
around group work spaces. The portable, freestanding workspace modules
facilitate fast, easy, inexpensive reorganization of office space, e.g.,
redistribution of private workspace within an open office area.
In order to achieve enhanced privacy and to reduce distraction caused by
noises originating outside the portable, freestanding workspace module,
and thereby provide a private work environment more conducive to achieving
efficient independent work, it is generally desirable to provide an
overhead acoustic damping ceiling baffle or panel which closes off a
substantial portion of the opening at the upper end of the workspace
module. Most local building codes or other applicable regulations require
an overhead sprinkler system to conform to the requirements of NFPA 13.
The intent of these requirements is to insure that no portion of the space
is obstructed from sprinkler flow, so that the entire space is protected
by the sprinkler system. The details of said regulations comprise a
complex and arcane series of restrictions on the height, size, and
location of obstructions relative to the sprinkler heads. Depending on the
height of the ceiling (and sprinkler heads), sprinkler type, and original
classification of the space, the space may be reclassified if tall
workstation modules with ceiling partitions are located therein. Such
workstations may not be permitted in some jurisdictions for certain
occupancy groups. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the ceiling
tiles, and carefully plan the layout of the workstations so as to have
exact relations between the workstations and the sprinkling system in
order to qualify. Alternatively, it may be possible to lay out the desired
workstation arrangement, and then have the fire system engineering
contractor modify the layout, rebuild, and re-qualify the sprinkler system
for the new furniture arrangement.
Removing ceiling panels may help in some situations, but is undesirable
because of the sacrifice of acoustic privacy and the loss of the sense of
spacial enclosure. Carefully positioning the workspace modules under
sprinkler nozzles to comply with fire safety requirements is very
difficult, and significantly frustrates and negates a major purpose and
one of the primary advantages of the workspace module, which is to allow
complete freedom in the organization and utilization of the office area to
promote efficient teamwork. Repositioning of sprinkler nozzles would be
expensive and disruptive to the work environment.
There is, therefore, a need for a portable workspace module which has an
overhead ceiling panel, and which can be positioned generally anywhere
within a room of a building having a conventional overhead sprinkler
system, without regard to the position of overhead sprinkler nozzles, and
while complying with all applicable fire safety requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides a heat releasable bracket which can be used to
support an overhead panel or baffle and which will release the same should
a fire occur in the immediate vicinity thereof. The heat releasable
bracket of the invention is especially useful for supporting a ceiling
panel or baffle at the upper end of a portable workspace module and
releasing the panel or baffle if the temperature surrounding the heat
releasable bracket reaches a predetermined elevated temperature. In
particular, by using a heat releasable bracket which will allow the
ceiling panel or baffle to drop from the upper end of the workspace module
if the surrounding temperature approaches or reaches the temperature at
which a conventional overhead sprinkler system is activated, it is
possible to arbitrarily position the workspace module in a room having a
conventional overhead sprinkler system, and comply with any applicable
fire safety requirements.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a heat releasable bracket
is provided which has a first bracket part which is securable to a support
structure, and a second bracket part which is attached to the first
bracket part by a heat releasable link. The second bracket part includes a
surface onto which a ceiling panel or baffle can be supported. The heat
releasable link can generally be any linking device which can be used to
hold the second bracket part in a fixed relationship with the first
bracket part so that the ceiling panel or baffle is stablely supported on
the bracket under ordinary conditions, and will release the second bracket
part supporting the ceiling panel or baffle, if the temperature exceeds a
predetermined level.
The present invention also provides a heat releasable ceiling panel support
system for retaining a ceiling panel or baffle at the upper end of a
workspace module under normal conditions, but which will allow the ceiling
panel to drop from the upper end of the workspace module should the
surrounding temperature exceed a predetermined level. The system includes
at least one heat releasable bracket which will support the ceiling panel
or baffle under normal conditions, and will allow it to drop at a
predetermined elevated temperature; at least one passive bracket which
will cooperate with the heat releasable bracket to support the ceiling
panel or baffle under normal conditions, but which is generally unsuitable
for support of the ceiling panel or baffle without cooperative support
from the heat releasable bracket; and, optionally, at least one hold-down
bracket which prevents the ceiling panel or baffle from tipping off of the
other brackets and falling therefrom.
A further aspect of the invention provides a freestanding workspace module
with a heat releasable ceiling panel or baffle. The workspace module
includes a framework to which walls and a door partition are supported.
The module also includes a ceiling panel or baffle which is supported at
the upper end of the workspace module by a plurality of brackets, at least
one of which is a heat releasable bracket. The heat releasable bracket
normally provides support for the ceiling panel under normal conditions,
and will respond to a predetermined elevated temperature by releasing the
ceiling panel or baffle and allowing it to fall from the upper end of the
workspace module.
The invention provides a relatively simple, inexpensive and reliable
bracket which can be advantageously employed to support a ceiling panel or
baffle in an overhead position beneath a sprinkler system under normal
conditions, but which will dependably release the ceiling panel or baffle
if the surrounding temperature reaches a predetermined level, such as on
account of a fire occurring in the immediate vicinity of the bracket. The
bracket, thus, eliminates the ceiling panel or baffle as an obstruction,
to allow effective utilization of the overhead sprinkler system. The
invention is especially useful for heat releasably supporting a ceiling
panel or baffle at the upper end of a freestanding workspace module, to
freely take advantage of the portability and adaptability of the workspace
module to meet changing needs in work area utilization to accommodate
dynamic work groups or teams, without sacrificing privacy and without
compromising on fire safety.
These and other features, objects, and benefits of the invention will be
recognized by those who practice the invention and by those skilled in the
art, from the specification, the claims, and the drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a workspace module employing a heat
releasable bracket support system including a heat releasable bracket in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of the top portion of
the workspace module shown in FIG. 1, showing in greater detail how the
ceiling panels are supported at the upper end of the workspace module by a
plurality of brackets; and
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the disassembled components
of a heat releasable bracket in accordance with the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a
portable workspace module 10 of the type which is freestanding and
sufficiently rigid to be moved freely about a floor area underneath an
overhead sprinkler system. The module 10 is used, especially in
conjunction with a plurality of similar modules, to provide an efficient
work environment in an open floor space of a building, wherein workers
involved in team or group projects can alternate between group work
activities in large open areas and individual work activities which are
most efficiently conducted in private workspace insulated from external
stimuli and distractions. Specific examples of workspace modules in which
the invention can be advantageously used are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,282,341 the teachings of which are hereby incorporated by reference
herein. The workspace module 10, which provides an architectural
subdivision within an architectural space, includes a freestanding
framework 11, walls 12 supported on the framework, and a door partition 14
which can be closed to provide an enclosed personal workspace. Included at
the upper portion of the workspace module 10 are ceiling panels or baffles
16, 17 supported from beams 52, 86 of the freestanding framework. The
ceiling panels or baffles 16, 17 partially enclose the otherwise open top
end of the workspace module 10 to provide an enhanced sense of privacy and
to reduce and dampen external noises, so that the worker occupying the
workspace module enjoys an improved sensation of isolation which, in turn,
results in greater productivity and work efficiency.
In FIG. 2, there are shown heat releasable ceiling baffle, or panel,
support systems which are comprised of a plurality of brackets 18, 20, and
22 which securely retain ceiling baffles 16, 17, which may be acoustical
baffles, suspended at the upper end of the workspace module 10 under
normal conditions, but which release the panels 16, 17 and allow them to
fall freely away from the upper end of the workspace module when they are
exposed to an elevated temperature such as would exist in the immediate
vicinity of an open flame or smoldering fire. In particular, the heat
releasable ceiling baffle support system is designed to release baffles
16, 17 under the same conditions which would exist immediately before an
overhead sprinkler system is activated. The heat releasable ceiling baffle
support system allows the overhead sprinkler system to control a fire in
the room of a building in which the workspace module 10 is located and to
abate fire damage, unimpeded by the ceiling panels or baffles.
In accordance with a preferred aspect of the invention, the heat releasable
ceiling baffle support system is comprised of a plurality of brackets
which do not normally respond to elevated temperatures, i.e., passive
brackets 18, 20; and at least one active heat releasable bracket 22 which
does respond to an elevated temperature. More specifically, a particularly
desirable heat releasable ceiling baffle support system for use with a
portable, freestanding workspace module 10 comprises a passive bracket 18
having an upper flange portion 24 and a lower horizontal flange portion 26
having a surface for engaging and supporting a ceiling panel or baffle; a
passive hold-down bracket 20 having a single horizontal flange portion 28;
and an active heat releasable bracket 22 having upper and lower horizontal
flange portions 30 and 32 respectively. Referring to FIG. 2, brackets 18,
20, 22 are strategically positioned about the perimeter of circle segment
shaped ceiling baffle 16 such that the center of mass, indicated by mark
34, and the hold-down bracket 20 are on opposite sides of a straight line,
indicated by dashed line 36, between passive bracket 18 and active bracket
22 so that the ceiling panel or baffle is supported from its underside by
support surfaces on lower flange portions 26 and 32 of brackets 18 and 22
respectively, and a surface of flange portion 28 of bracket 20 bears
against the upper surface of baffle 16 to prevent it from twisting about
line 36 because of the imbalance caused by the displacement of the center
of mass from line 36. Brackets 18 and 22 are desirably positioned as far
apart as possible, while still meeting the above stated criterion
regarding bracket positioning with respect to the center of mass of the
baffle 16. This will generally provide optimum balancing of the forces on
the brackets 18, 20, 22 to provide a stable load distribution, wherein the
panel or baffle is securely retained at the desired location at the upper
end of a workspace module 10 using a minimum number of brackets. The above
criteria regarding bracket placement is broadly applicable to a variety of
regular and irregular shaped ceiling baffles, and is not in any way
limited to the circle segment shaped baffle 16 or rectangular shaped
baffle 17 shown in FIG. 2. While the baffles 16, 17 can be supported from
the beams 52, 86 or framework using a support system comprised exclusively
of a plurality of heat releasable brackets 22 which respond to an elevated
temperature, it is generally desirable to use relatively inexpensive
passive brackets 18, 20 which when used, as described herein, in
combination with an active heat releasable bracket 22 provide an equally
effective system, which may even be somewhat more reliable, because
effective operation of the system, in the event of a fire, relies on a
single fusible link, described hereinafter. The baffle support system is
designed to release baffles 16, 17 in a predictable, controlled manner in
the event of a fire. More specifically, when baffles 16, 17 are released
by heat releasable brackets 22, baffles 16, 17 swing downwardly about an
axis generally parallel to, and near to, the edge of the baffles supported
by passive brackets 18.
Details regarding the heat releasable bracket 22 are illustrated in FIG. 3,
which shows the components thereof in a disassembled state. Bracket 22
includes an upper bracket part 38 which is adapted to be mounted onto a
support structure such as a wall, beam, column, etc., and a lower bracket
part 40 which is supported from the upper bracket by a heat fusible link
42. The upper bracket part 38 has a flange portion 30 which projects
horizontally away from a support structure to which bracket part 38 is
mounted. The upper bracket part 38 also includes a mounting portion 44
through which part 38 is secured to a supporting structure. The mounting
portion can be comprised of generally any suitable device or means for
facilitating attachment of the upper bracket part 38 to a wall, beam,
column, or other support structure. The mounting portion, for example, can
be comprised of any of various clips, tabs, hooks, etc. The mounting
portion can also, for example, be comprised merely of a surface area of
the flange portion 30 which is used to adhesively bond the upper bracket
part 38 to a support structure or through which a fastener such as a nail
or screw is passed to secure part 38 to a support structure. In accordance
with the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 3, mounting portion 44 is
comprised of a vertical flange portion 46 which extends from a rearward
end (opposite the outwardly projecting or forward end) of flange portion
30; and a tab 48 which projects rearwardly from flange portion 30, past
flange portion 46. Tab 48 is adapted to be received within a narrow slot
50 (FIGS. 2 and 3) provided in a horizontal upper surface of a support
structure, which in the illustrated embodiment is transverse beam 52 which
constitutes part of the structural framework of workspace module 10. Upper
bracket part 38 also includes a coupling tab 54 which slants downwardly
and forwardly from a central location on horizontal flange portion 30.
Lower bracket part 40 is a member having a flange plate 56 the top surface
of which abuts the underside of flange portion 30 when bracket 22 is
assembled, a lower horizontal flange portion 32 for supporting a ceiling
panel or baffle such as baffle 16 or 17, and a vertical step portion 58
connecting flange plate 56 with horizontal flange portion 32. Lower
bracket part 40 also includes a coupling tab 60 which slants upwardly and
rearwardly from a central location generally at the intersection between
the lower horizontal flange portion 32 and vertical step portion 58.
Downwardly slanting coupling tab 54 projects through an opening 62 in
flange plate 56 of lower bracket part 40 and is adjacent to and in planar
alignment with upwardly slanting coupling tab 60 when bracket 22 is
assembled. Bracket parts 38 and 40 are held together by a single heat
fusible link assembly 42 having fastener openings 63, 64. Fasteners 65, 66
pass through respective openings 63, 64 in fusible link 42 and are
securely received within corresponding openings 67, 68 in coupling tabs 54
and 60 respectively to secure bracket parts 38 and 40 to each other. The
illustrated heat releasable link 42 is comprised of a pair of overlapping
metal plates 69, 70 which are joined together by a heat fusible metal
alloy, such as tin-antimony solder, having a desired low melting point
temperature. More specifically, the heat fusible metal alloy should have a
melting point temperature which is high enough to avoid decoupling of
plates 69, 70 and release of ceiling baffles supported by bracket 22 at
temperatures which can be reached on the hottest days, and sufficiently
low to allow decoupling of plates 69, 70 should a fire occur in the
vicinity of bracket 22. Most preferably, the heat fusible metal should
have a melting point temperature slightly lower than the temperature at
which an overhead sprinkler system is activated. Suitable heat fusible
links which are substantially identical with the illustrated link 42 are
commercially available. Various other known heat responsive links can be
used in place of the illustrated link 42 without departing from the
principles of the invention. For example, a heat responsive link comprised
of a low boiling point liquid contained in a sealed rupturable,
disintegratable vial are commercially available and can be employed
successfully in the invention. In this case, separation of bracket parts
38 and 40 and release of the supported ceiling baffles occurs when the low
boiling point liquid is volatilized causing a glass vial, containing the
low boiling point material and connected at opposing ends to parts 38 and
40, to rupture and disintegrate due to the build up of pressure in the
vial. Various other suitable heat releasable links are also commercially
available.
The lower bracket part 40 also preferably includes a flap 72 which extends
downwardly from the rearward end (end closest to the support structure to
which the upper bracket part 38 is mounted) of flange plate 56 and has at
its lower end a rearwardly extending swing tab 74 which is adapted to be
received in a rectangular slot 76 in flange portion 46 of upper bracket
part 38, so that lower bracket part 40 can swing downwardly about a pivot
axis approximately coincident with tab 74 and slot 76 when parts 38 and 40
are decoupled by exposure of link 42 to an elevated temperature. This
controls the direction of forces on fusible link 42 and helps to ensure
that lower bracket part 40 will swing out of the way allowing baffles 16,
17 to fall freely from the framework of workspace module 10 should a fire
occur in the vicinity of the bracket 22.
The passive hold-down bracket 20, which is used in combination with passive
bracket 18 and heat releasable bracket 22 as part of a heat releasable
ceiling baffle support system, is a generally L-shaped member having a
horizontal flange portion 28 the underside of which engages the top of a
baffle 16, 17 to hold the baffle down, and a mounting portion which can be
comprised of any suitable device or means for facilitating attachment of
the hold-down bracket 20 to a support structure, such as a mounting
portion generally similar to that of the heat releasable bracket 22. The
mounting portion of the illustrated hold-down bracket is substantially
identical to that of the illustrated heat releasable bracket 22, and
includes a vertical flange portion 78 which extends from a rearward end of
horizontal flange portion 28; and a tab 80 which projects rearwardly from
flange portion 28, past flange portion 78. Tab 80 is adapted to be
received within a narrow slot 82 in the horizontal upper surfaces of
transverse beam 52.
Passive support bracket 18 includes, in addition to upper end lower flange
portions 24 and 26, a mounting portion which can be comprised of any
suitable device or means for facilitating attachment of the bracket 18 to
a support structure. The mounting portion of the illustrated passive
support bracket 18 is comprised of an inverted U-shaped clip having a
forward vertical flange plate 84 from which horizontal flange portions 24
and 26 project forwardly and a pair of rearward horizontal flange plates
(not shown). Bracket 18 is secured to longitudinal beam 86, such as by
wedging an upstanding web of beam 86 between forward flange plate 84 and
rearward the rearward vertical flange plate (not shown). The upstanding
web of beam 86 can be provided with a notched-out area to indicate proper
positioning of bracket 18. Bracket 18 is specially designed to cooperate
with bracket 22 to support the weight of a ceiling baffle 16, 17, while
being incapable of independently supporting the ceiling baffle 16 or 17
without the assistance of bracket 22. For example, the baffles 16, 17 can
be designed to deflect downwardly when support from heat releasable
bracket 22 is removed, and slide outwardly away from passive bracket 18.
Alternatively, the lower flange portion 26 can be made of a suitable
thickness and from a suitable material which will not deflect downwardly
when the weight of the baffle 16 or 17 is distributed between bracket 18
and 22, but which will deflect downwardly when bracket 22 is not
supporting part of the weight of baffle 16 or 17. As another alternative,
upper flange portion 26 can be eliminated or made of suitable thickness
and of a suitable material which will allow it to deflect upwardly under
the forces imposed on it by the weight of the ceiling panel 16 or 17 when
bracket 22 does not support the panel.
Mounting of the baffles 16 and 17 onto workspace module 10 is achieved by
securing the brackets 18, 20, 22 to the framework of the workspace module
in a manner consistent with the foregoing description and accompanying
drawings, and sliding the baffles 18, between flange portions 30, 32 of
bracket 22, and beneath flange portion 28 of bracket 20. Flange portions
24 and 26, and flange portions 30 and 32, are preferably suitably spaced
apart so that the ceiling baffles 16, 17 are wedged therebetween, so that
ceiling baffles 16, 17 are not merely loosely supported by lower flanges
24 and 30, but are retained between flange portions 24 and 26, and 30 and
32.
The brackets 18, 20, 22 can be fabricated from a variety of suitable
materials, such as from aluminum, steel, or stainless steel sheet metal or
from a thermoplastic or thermoset material.
While the heat releasable bracket and ceiling panel support system of the
invention are particularly well adapted for use with portable workspace
modules, the brackets and support systems would also be useful in
non-portable, non-freestanding environments as well.
It will be understood by those who practice the invention and by those
skilled in the art, that various modifications and improvements may be
made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the disclosed
concept. The scope of protection afforded is to be determined by the
claims and by the breadth of interpretation allowed by law.
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